KPU Requires Survey Institutions to Report Sources of Funds

DOC VOI

JAKARTA - The General Elections Commission (KPU) requires survey institutions or polls and quick counts to report the source of their funds to the KPU.

This is regulated in KPU Regulation (PKPU) Number 9 of 2022 concerning Public Participation in General Elections and Elections for Governors and Deputy Governors, Regents and Deputy Regents, and/or Mayors and Deputy Mayors signed by KPU Chairman Hasyim Asy'ari on 11 November.

According to KPU member August Mellaz, the regulation regarding the reporting of sources of funds for survey institutions aims to ensure that the survey results distributed to the public are fair or impartial to any party, especially those who are contesting elections.

"Yes, let us know. If for example, it comes from candidate pairs or election participants, the survey results will somehow be consumed by the public. At least it's fairer. (Funds) Survey institutions from candidate pairs or election participants certainly have a certain tendency. If the source of the funds comes from outside the election participants, the effect on voters is different", August said as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, November 25.

Even so, he conveyed that the regulation only applies to survey institutions that wish to register with the KPU to obtain accreditation and to be involved in conducting surveys related to the 2024 General Election.

In addition to ensuring fairness in the survey results, he said that the regulation regarding the reporting of election funding is a follow-up to the accountability of the survey agency accredited by the KPU as a legal entity.

"What is clear is that he is a legal entity. Then, his financial process is transparent, and audited, stating where the funds come from. That is the most important thing", said August.

As stated in Article 17 paragraph (4) letter g of PKPU Number 9 of 2022, it is stated that survey institutions wishing to register themselves to obtain accreditation from the KPU are required to attach a statement letter containing the source of funds.